The Anambra State Police Command has arrested two suspects in connection with the murder of a 33-year-old woman whose lifeless body was discovered in a culvert near Jesus Bus Stop, Oraifite, in Ekwusigo Local Government Area of the state.

 

The suspects, identified as Thankgod Ikechukwu Ikwugwara, 26, and Makuochukwu Uzoigwe, 20, were apprehended following an intensive investigation that relied on intelligence gathering and digital forensic analysis.

 

According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the case began on March 13, 2026, when the deceased’s mother reported her missing at the Oraifite Divisional Police Headquarters.

 

The following day, March 14, the body of an unidentified woman was found inside a culvert near Jesus Bus Stop in Oraifite. The deceased was later identified by her father as the woman who had earlier been reported missing.

 

Ikenga said the case was subsequently transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Awka, for a detailed investigation.

 

He disclosed that detectives, through sustained efforts and the use of intelligence and digital forensic leads, tracked down and arrested the two suspects on June 6, 2026.

 

During interrogation, the principal suspect, Ikwugwara, reportedly confessed to the crime, revealing that he had been in a relationship with the deceased for about three years and claimed he was unaware that she was married.

 

According to the police, the suspect alleged that after a disagreement with the deceased’s husband, he developed a health condition that affected his eyesight and subsequently harboured resentment, which led him to plan the attack.

 

Investigators said the suspect confessed to luring the woman to his residence on March 13 under the pretext of seeking assistance due to illness.

 

Upon her arrival, he and his alleged accomplice reportedly attacked her with a machete, resulting in her death.

 

The suspects are said to have disposed of the victim’s body in a culvert near Jesus Bus Stop during the early hours of the following day in an attempt to conceal the crime.

 

Police authorities confirmed that both suspects have admitted their involvement in the killing and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

 

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu, commended the detectives involved in the case for their professionalism, dedication and resilience in ensuring that those responsible were brought to justice.

 

He reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property and ensuring that perpetrators of violent crimes are held accountable for their actions.